Palm Beach Post Game Day: Miami Dolphins at Pittsburgh Steelers

Update: Running back Daniel Thomas has made a quick and surprising comeback and is active today. Cornerback Dimitri Patterson is also active although Nolan Carroll will continue to start in his place. Rookie cornerbacks Jamar Taylor and Will Davis are inactive.

PITTSBURGH — At 6-6 the Dolphins remain in the thick of the playoff chase but face a nearly must-win situation in Pittsburgh today.

The 5-7 Steelers have struggled this year, but the Dolphins have been unpredictable all season. Pittsburgh is favored by 3 points.

Pittsburgh has won 8 of its last 10 games against the Dolphins and Miami hasn’t won in Pittsburgh since 1990.

The big storyline in Pittsburgh is the return of receiver Mike Wallace, who signed a $60 million deal in the offseason with Miami. Wallace has spent this season trying to build chemistry with quarterback Ryan Tannehill and has only come on strong of late. He has 209 yards and two touchdowns in his last two games. Wallace said he expects a rude reception today.

Miami must also deal with the weather. It’s expected to be in the low 30s today with rain and snow showers.

Rookie cornerback Jamar Taylor is out for the Dolphins. Running back Daniel Thomas and cornerback Dimitri Patterson are questionable.

When Dolphins have the ball

Miami passing (17th in NFL) vs. Pittsburgh pass defense (8th): Dolphins receiver Mike Wallace, returning to Pittsburgh, will have to deal with his former teammates, including William Gay, who has been a top-10 cornerback this season. The on-field chemistry between Wallace and quarterback Ryan Tannehill has been improving, but this could be a tough match-up with temperatures in the low 30s. Edge: Pittsburgh.Miami rushing (25th) vs. Pittsburgh rush defense (18th): With running back Daniel Thomas (ankle injury) sidelined indefinitely, Lamar Miller stepped up last week as the sole featured back and gained 72 yards against the New York Jets’ top-ranked rush defense. Although Thomas is questionable to play, Miller could be in for an even bigger role today, and he seems to thrive with more carries. Edge: Miami.

When Steelers have the ball

Pittsburgh passing (8th) vs. Miami pass defense (9th): The Dolphins’ pass defense has risen to the occasion in recent weeks, and the Steelers’ offensive line is in shambles. But Ben Roethlisberger was one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks in November, and receiver Antonio Brown already has 85 catches this season for 1,103 yards with six TDs. Edge: Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh rushing (31st) vs. Miami rush defense (25th): Steelers rookie Le’Veon Bell has yet to rush for more than 93 yards in a game this season and is coming off a concussion. If he can’t go, Jonathan Dwyer, who started six games last season, likely would start. (Steelers also have veteran back Felix Jones.) Either way, it’s a winnable match-up for the Dolphins despite their problems stopping the run. Edge: Miami.

Special teams

Both teams have struggled. Miami’s biggest advantage is in punting; the Dolphins rank No. 2 in the league and Pittsburgh is 30th. The Steelers are sixth in the NFL in field-goal percentage while Miami is 27th. Edge: Even.